Optional Activities

Savannah Theater Musical Revue. “Back to the 50s” or “Back to the 60s” or “Hurray for Hollywood” type performance. Energetic, talented local performers and lots of fun. Oldest continuously operating theater in the US dating to early 1800s and updated to 40s style movie theater décor. 7PM. About $40 2 ½ hours.

Foodie Tour. Sort of a Progressive Lunch. Climate controlled tour bus with onboard TVs to watch clips featuring local chefs like Paula Deen. Learn about local culinary traditions. The bus stops at 6 or more eateries to sample treats such as: Shrimp&Grits, BBQ, Fried Green Tomatoes, Honey-Pecan Fried Chicken, Seafood Gumbo, Specialty Chocolates, Homemade Ice Cream. Seating limit of 25. $40. 2 ½ hours.

Historic Savannah Trolley Tour. Guided tour of one of the largest restored National Historic Landmark districts in the nation. Tour covers 2.2 square miles of the Historic District with restored 18^th and 19^th century buildings and the waterfront – through the live oaks with Spanish Moss and the unique squares in the center of the main street intersections. This tour includes admission into one of Savannah’s finest mansions/museums for a narrated walk through the interior. Optional lunch at Lady and Sons (Paula Deen) or Mrs. Wilkes. $25 ($49 including lunch) 2 hours.

Coastal Forts Tour. Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski. Fort Jackson is the oldest standing fort in Georgia - dating to the Revolutionary War and was a headquarters for the Confederate River Defenses. Fort Pulaski guards the entrance to Savannah harbor and is a remarkably well preserved structure. Self guided. Park Rangers on duty. Optional lunch at Lady and Sons (Paula Deen) or Mrs. Wilkes. $30 ($54 with lunch) 3 hours.

Isle of Hope and Low Country Tour. Showing how the city grew into the Victorian District with its gingerbread architecture. Ardsley Park and Victory Drive lined with azaleas and palms in commemoration of WWI soldiers. Summer residences along the Skidaway River originally built to escape the heat and fevers. Old, old Savannah. 3 hours. Optional lunch at Lady and Sons (Paula Deen) or Mrs. Wilkes. $25 ($49 with lunch)

Riverboat Dinner Cruise. Dinner, live entertainment, DJ with tunes from the 50s to the 80s. Buffet menu includes prime rib, chicken breast Florentine, crab cakes. Triple-decker red, white and blue vessel cruising from harbor mouth to the entrance of the container ship port. About $60. (price varies a little, discount for groups) 2 hours.

Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum and Lunch. Absolutely unique military museum preserving the history of the 8^th Air Force which was formed in Savannah. “Live” re-enactments of mission briefings plus combat footage. Lots of aircraft including a refurbished B-17 inside the building and a B-47 outside. Buck Shuler was instrumental in getting this place stood up and there’s a bust of him in the lobby. $8 entrance fee. Gift Shop and Restaurant.

Aquarium and Eco-briefing. At the Univ. of Georgia Marine Education Center on Skidaway Island. Briefing on the unique and fragile coastal Georgia ecosystem plus a tour of the aquarium and a short nature walk. Seating limit of 40 in the education center. $28 but I would have to arrange in advance – not run regularly. 3 hours.

Note: There are brochures for all these type activities (and others) at every hotel and motel and you can make telephone arrangements with the tour companies. Tourists are big business in Savannah.